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 and you didn't come. It was a very empty place that day."

"But you got on better with your picture, perhaps," she laughed, "without disturbance."

"No, I decided not to paint that picture. And it is just as well, for I've found one since then that serves much better."

"Yes?" she said, questioningly. But he did not enlighten her. Instead, with a glance at her sombre gown and a lowering of his voice, he said,—

"You've had a great misfortune since then, Hunter tells me. I am very sorry, Miss Lynde."

"Thank you," she answered, softly. "But my father's death was not so painful to me as it would have been had he wanted to live. Mr. Brough told you about him? It was a welcome relief to him, and for his sake I try to